Afrigather Adebayo Padmore, a driver with LagRide, the Lagos state-backed ride-hailing platform that launched in 2022, died this morning as he ready for his routine of choosing up passengers. His demise will once more spotlight criticism of LagRide’s asset-financing mannequin.
“He collapsed at 5 a.m. this morning after checking the bonnet earlier than resuming immediately’s job, and we needed to revive him with buckets of water,” stated Saheed Ayeni, one in all three drivers who took Padmore to Louis Med hospital in Lekki, from Oniru market the place he collapsed. “His final phrases whereas we rushed him right here had been, “Don’t let me die.”
Padmore was pronounced lifeless minutes after a physician attended to him. A explanation for demise has not been established on the time of this report.
“We’ll conduct an post-mortem to establish the reason for demise,” stated Tumi Adeyemi, the top of the options for LagRide. He additionally advised TechCabal that an investigation can be launched into the matter.
Padmore was beforehand treating an undisclosed ailment, stated Saheed Ayeni and one different driver. In accordance with them, LagRide’s each day targets put drivers like Padmore below strain.
In December 2023, Ibrahim Ayoade, the overall secretary of the App-Primarily based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), faulted LagRide’s financing mannequin, claiming it inspired driver companions to demand unrealistic returns from drivers. He stated the affiliation had critiqued this “killer mannequin” with no success.
LagRide operates a lease-to-own mannequin that enables drivers to make a downpayment of ₦700,000 ($791) for brand-new GAC automobiles (SUV and Sedan choices). Drivers unfold the remainder of the funds throughout 4 years by making each day funds of ₦8900 ($11.25).
Nevertheless, in line with a dashboard seen by TechCabal, drivers are obligated to drive for 10 hours each day or a complete of 150 kilometres.
Assembly these targets ensures drivers earn sufficient to cowl bills and LagRide’s each day repayments, decreasing the potential for defaults. Drivers who work ten hours earn ₦43,000 on common and take house round ₦10,000 after bills, stated three LagRide drivers.
Failing to satisfy targets doesn’t appeal to punishment or penalties, nevertheless it places their dashboard in a “unfavorable each day share,” stated one driver.
Over 20 ride-hailing drivers gathered on the hospital, echoing LagRide’s failure in its responsibility to drivers. “They stopped paying for our medical insurance and automobile upkeep months in the past,” stated a driver who requested to not be named for concern of reprisals.
The drivers have contacted the Padmore household primarily based in Ibadan. The corpse is being moved to his hometown in the intervening time.
*This can be a growing story
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